Report on – 33rd IC Resolution 3: Time to act: Tackling epidemics and pandemics together (33IC/19/R3) – Red Cross of Montenegro

¿ Ha incorporado el Estado/la Sociedad Nacional/la institución los empeños contenidos en esta resolución en los planes estratégicos u operativos pertinentes?

Los compromisos han sido incorporados en
plan operativo

A nacional, local nivel

Ha trabajado el Estado/la Sociedad Nacional/la institución con otros asociados para poner en práctica los empeños contenidos en esta resolución?

En asociación con:
gobierno y/o autoridades públicas
CICR/Federación Internacional

¿Ha habido dificultades para poner en práctica los empeños contenidos en esta resolución?

Dificultades en relación con:
recursos humanos
falta de conocimientos o de pericia específica
falta de capacidad y/o de apoyo (técnico, financiero o de otra índole)

¿Han incidido los empeños contenidos en esta resolución en el trabajo y la dirección del Estado/la Sociedad Nacional/la institución?

Tipo de repercusión:
fortalecimiento de la cooperación entre el gobierno o las autoridades públicas y la Sociedad Nacional
formación y capacidad de los miembros del personal y de los voluntarios (en el caso de las Sociedades Nacionales);

5. Han incidido los empeños contenidos en esta resolución en las comunidades a las que el Estado/la Sociedad Nacional/la institución presta servicios?

Describa las repercusiones:

COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented situation where the whole world faced this type of challenge simultaneously. At the beginning of the vaccination process, it was very important to share trustworthy information on the disease but also to raise awareness among general population on preventive measures and ways how to protect themselves. Red Cross was recognized as one of the main responders and its constant presence in the field enabled continuous communication with the population which also helped in communicating the right messages.
It was important that the Red Cross received support from the IFRC for organizing trainings for volunteers but also for procuring necessary equipment (Uniforms, PPE). This contributed to the safety of staff and volunteers and enabled them to continuously do their jobs. Constant presence on immunization points triggered a lot of attention among the general public, this was especially helpful for the local branches who managed to position as one of the main partners with local authority in time of crises. This helped in positioning the Red Cross even better in the communities.
The fact that the Red Cross assisted in vaccination points, then implemented survey on vaccination hesitancy as a first step in better understanding of people opinion on immunization and how to direct right messages, helped in creating new approach in the campaign. Red Cross of Montenegro shared information about COVID-19 pandemic and prevention measures via distribution of informative material (leaflets and posters), on social media, TV stations and face-to-face with workshops implemented with doctors from Institute for Public Health, Health Centers and RC volunteers, in small groups of people in urban and rural areas.